Chapter 15

The cloudy weather suited him just fine, it hadn't started to rain yet but it was only a matter of time and it would. He wasn't here on a holiday, he wasn't even here by choice. This is where he is and for now he believed he had gone unnoticed so this was as a place to be as any. This is not the time to rush, he needs to be sure of his next move. A knock disturbed his thoughts.

"Sir, I have something you want to take a look at." A younger man sauntered into the room confident he had finally located what this man was looking for.

The lean man turned from the window as smoke came from his mouth. He looked over at the man now in the room with him, "What is it?" There was a large bandage covering the right side of his head, his left hand, in a cast. Not bad for what he had gone through. It could have been worse but he had gotten lucky. There were a few men that didn't make it out of the water, they weren't so lucky. Their luck ran out when they made the mistake of trying to stop him from escaping. if this moron hasn't found something then today might be his last day.

"I'm not sure, but there's been a little chatter about this picture. The WSB seems to believe it could be Anna Devane." The younger man held out a photo, offering it to the other man.

He reached out and took the picture. It was of a dark-haired woman that did indeed look like it could be Anna. It was grainy, not great quality, most likely taken from a surveillance camera somewhere he concluded. "Where did you get this?"

"I had to do some digging to find that. The guy on the inside could only tell me that there was a lot of talk about a possible sighting and a picture that seemed to confirm Devane is, in fact, alive. I don't think the WSB knows for sure if this is the woman you're looking for." The hacker that went by Sugerhi, didn't care who this guy was, he was paying him a lot of money and testing his skills by hacking the WSB even if he has had some help, this was something he could brag about.

"How did you find this?" This could be some kind of trick? Was someone feeding him this information on purpose? If it was too easy then it had to be a trap. He hadn't gotten as far as he has by trusting people.

"I hacked into their system. I thought that was what I was hired to do." Sugarhi was confused by the man's questions. What did he think he had done to get them?

"That is exactly what you were hired for. I can not get that information myself, that's why I need your," he pause as looked over the odd man, "skillset to get what I want." It wouldn't be much longer before this young man meets an unfortunate death but for now, he still has his uses. This picture could be Anna but it could just as easily be a trick as well. He looked at it a little closer. "Do you know where this was taken?"

"I'm still working on trying to find that out. There are a few searches I can run but thought you would want to see this. I want to make sure I'm heading in the right direction. I don't think it is an altered picture but if you think this is some kind of trap I could start looking for other leads again. Let this one sit for a while to make sure it's safe. You're the boss, so you make the call."

"I think you are onto something here. Your source can't connect you to me or organizations I could be associated with so I don't think they were trying to feed you false information. You said you had to search for this, was it easy to find?"

"No, I think it was a good five hours of work to find that after I knew what I was looking for. They have a good system and it was a challenge but I met it."

Faison sat down in his chair at the desk, still looking at the picture in his hand. Maybe it is her. Is the WSB searching for all three of them? If Anna survived, did Scorpio as well? Had he made it off that tanker? Hopefully, he had not. Does that mean they suspect he did as well? "Look into this more. I think you might have found what I'm looking for but we need to be sure. I won't be rushed. If that is Anna Devane in that picture I want something to go on. I want to know where that was taken."

"You got it. I'll be in touch when I have more information for you." Sugarhi turned and left, he didn't know why this guy was looking for the woman other than they had both been in the same boating accident. He didn't really think they were a couple but he didn't really think the guy wanted to hurt her either. This Sinclair guy says he just wants to know where she is. The money is great so what does it matter anyway.

…

Robert was lying stretched out on the bed in their hotel room watching Anna, a smile on his lips. She was writing down some questions she had for Sean. Making notes about the things Mac and Sean would need to know about Robert's recovery. They had talked a few days ago, that was when they had confirmed Faison is alive. This evening Robin would be calling and after she had talked to Robert they would all talk about any new information. That was why Anna wanted to write things down first, so they didn't slip their minds.

Robert couldn't stop smiling as he watched her. Not that long ago she had nursed him back to health. She had put up with a lot from him but he had been so scared for her at the time. The idea of anything happening to her had worried him more than something happening to him. It was going to be different this time, he'll be different. "I'll be a much better patient this time."

Anna looked up, "Oh, will you?"

"Yeah. I have to get better, that's all I have to do right now. You need me better, I need me better." Anna grinned, he was right. "And you're not cooking for me so I don't have to worry about food poisoning."

Anna's jaw dropped as she crumpled up a piece of paper and threw it at him then they both started to laugh. "Hey, I was under a lot of stress at the time and you didn't exactly make it easy."

"I know and like I said I will be a better patient this time around."

"Well, I'm glad to hear that." Anna wanted to go over there and cuddle up in bed with him. It was obvious Robert was remembering more of his life and that was wonderful. It also made it harder to resist their urges. That meant for the next couple of days Anna was making sure there was plenty of personal space.

They looked into each other's eyes a little longer, then Anna turned to write something else down. Robert kept watching her as he put his head back a little. He wanted her to come climb into bed with him but also knew why she wasn't. There is still a lot of healing that needs to happen before they can be together. He felt his eyes getting heavy and knew there was no point trying to stay awake. He had been told sleep was very important, if he feels tired he should not fight it. That is his body telling him what it needs.

Anna looked over again and smiled seeing him so close to sleep. Robert is being so good, doing what the doctor says. She knows how hard this is for him to not be involved. To lay there and take it easy. He had told her he was going to do everything in his power to get better as quickly as possible. He is listening to his doctor's instructions, he isn't giving her a hard time, only a little teasing but she loves it. With a smile, Anna got up and walked over to him and kissed him on the cheek. This amazing man is doing everything he can to give her what she needs most. Him, she needs her Robert.

…

Mac had noticed the cute brunette sitting at the end of the bar shortly after she arrived. She was there alone and he usually liked to keep tabs on ladies there by themselves, in case there was unwanted attention that became a problem. She'd been enjoying the music as she had a couple of drinks but he thought she looked a little sad so decided to see if she was there hoping for a friendly ear. As he walked over he took in her appearance, she was in good shape and her legs went on forever. He couldn't help the little smile that formed on his lips. The array of beautiful ladies that pass through The Outback was one of his favourite perks of owning this place.

"Can I get you another drink?" he asked as he wiped the bar in front of her.

She turned her head slightly, she had been watching the room. "Yes, another Gin Sour. They're amazing."

"Coming right up." As he started to make her drink Mac noticed she was watching him so gave her a little grin and a wink. "What do you think of the place?"

"I love it here. It's my first time here but I really like it. The music is amazing, the drinks are great. I think I will definitely be back." She looked him up and down again. Mac Scorpio is a very attractive man and that smile. Damn, he is fine.

"I'm glad to hear that, this is my club," he said turning up the charm.

"Oh, I guess I understand the Australian theme now."

"It does seem to be a hit here," he said and flashed her another grin as he slid the drink toward her.

"You have a very cute smile," she said with a flirty grin.

"Thank you."

"Is this a nice place to live? Port Charles, is this a good city to settle down in?"

Mac took a moment, studying her before answering, "I think it is, well I hope it is. I've only been here a little over a year myself."

Ronda leaned forward, putting her elbows on the bar. "Oh, really? What made you pick Port Charles to call home, as the place to open your club?"

"I ended up here by chance when the ship I was on sank in the harbour." That got the response he was hoping for when he saw the shocked looking on her face. "My brother lived here, his family's here. It made sense to settle down here and I had come into some money so I followed a dream and opened this place."

"Seems like it's going pretty well for you."

"Yeah, well it was rough at the start but got to be great for a while then it took a shape dive. Now it could be better but I shouldn't complain." He stopped himself then grinned at her. "Hey, I think it's usually the bartender the customer unloads to, not the other way around." She smiled back at him, all Mac could think was, she has an amazing smile and he likes seeing her smile.

She leaned forwards again, "I was once a bartender, old habits I guess."

"That must be it. Well since you seem to know how this works. What's on your mind, got something to get off your chest?"

She let out a little laugh and sat back. "I'm here for work and the supervisor is a total dick. I can't wait for it to be done but I really like the city. The work part sucks cause of the boss but since I like it here so that helps. Now, I have found a little bar with a great atmosphere. I can see myself hanging out here more now. I guess I don't have things too much to complain about"

"That doesn't sound like it."

"No, it doesn't but the fact I am here at all is annoying. I shouldn't be." She took a sip of her drink. "These are really good. Did you know that? Like they are really good, I've had three already."

"I'm glad you like them. Why shouldn't you be here?"

"Oh, according to my doctor, the stuff I'm doing here I'm not really ready for. I was in a bad accident a while ago and there are some things that are harder on my body, which is still healing so it's rather annoying that I'm here. Oh, and did I mention the guy in charge here is a dick?"

She took another sip of her drink then studied Mac for a moment. He doesn't know who she is so what did it matter is they chatted tonight. "I'm not the only one that thinks that either. I mean there were several people brought in to work on this project and he gets on most of our nerves."

"Doesn't sound like he has good people skills," Mac offered.

"I guess that's one way to put it." Ronda knew the drinks she had already had were starting to hit her. She would love it if she could sit here and flirt with this sexy guy all night but she also knows she can't risk him figuring out who she is. "I should be going. I have another early day tomorrow but I will definitely be back. We can chat again then." She finished her drink then smiled as she stood up. "Bye-bye." Then she turned and walked away.

Mac watched her walk away, he wouldn't mind if she came back and they got to chat a little more. Flirting was a plus but he kind of thought that might have been one of the WSB agents he had seen watching the house before. No harm getting friendly with her if he's right.

…

Robert and Anna walked hand in hand as they left the hospital. Dr. Palmer was very positive about Steve's recovery. He was healing nicely, the symptoms that had been a concern seem to have been resolved. He had reaffirmed that it will take time before they know if further steps will be needed to regain his full memory. The fact he was starting to remember things was a plus but if that only goes so far or if he only partially remembers then there are still steps to take in that case.

It had been ten days since the surgery, Robert was starting to get tired of sitting around all day. "Let's go do something. I don't want to go straight back to our room."

Anna turned and looked at him. "Yeah, we should do something. Dinner then something fun after."

"Yeah, we need to have a little fun. We need to celebrate a little. I am on the mend. We will hopefully be able to head home before much longer. I am with the woman I love."

"Yes, you are." She stretched up and gave him a quick kiss. "Romantic dinner, maybe some dancing if we find the right spot."

"A night of reminiscing since I can now, well at least somewhat better than I could."

"I would love that and you are still healing so don't be too hard on yourself," she said as she touched his cheek.

"I'm not, I am actually very pleased with how I'm healing. I get that it hasn't been all that long but there is so much I can remember." They started walking again. "Do you know how hard it was talking to Mac and Sean? I knew them, I knew who they were but I couldn't picture them. I couldn't have told you much about either of them before now I can."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"We needed to talk to them. It didn't matter that it was odd, or strange. As soon as I heard them talking, it was like yeah, that's Mac and Sean but that was about all I knew for sure."

"That couldn't have been easy. I guess I should have realized that."

"We're dealing with a lot. Me not being able to picture people I know but can't remember wasn't that big a deal. It was strange, that's all." Anna leaned against him and she took his arm as they started walking again. "I'm remembering things slowly. So far it's mostly about us, yeah I think the recent stuff is there but with you, I am remembering you and our intertwined life. Our wedding, our house, the life we just started. The rest will come, I know it will. I love that I can see Robin playing, there are all those dance recitals we went to. I loved every minute of them, our little girl beaming with happiness."

Anna wiped away a tear that rolled down her cheek then put her hand back on Robert's arm. She loved hearing Robert talk about the new things he was remembering. There was a little more each day. He was right, so far it seemed to be mostly about her and Robin and their recent years. As long as there was continued improvement, that was what was important. Dr. Palmer had even told them that it made sense that he would remember them first. The heartwarming feeling she gets hearing him talk like this. She didn't know how to describe it. It was a wonderfully peaceful feeling.

Robert understood her tears were because she was happy, he leaned over and kissed her on top of her head. "Let's go get ready for our date night."

…

There was a smile on Robert's face as he poured them some wine. Anna was already out on the balcony. They'd had a wonderful evening. Dinner was nice, the food was amazing. There was even a little dance floor they'd taken advantage of. Robert loved holding her again. He looked out the window, the wind playing with her hair. She is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. So far tonight had been perfect and he hoped it would still get better.

He stepped out onto the balcony, "You are breathtaking."

She looked over her shoulder at him, "Did I say you could have wine?" she asked with a grin.

"You did actually. Over dinner, you told me we could share a glass of wine once we were back here."

She tilted her head and bit her lip, "I did." He passed her a glass as he stepped over to her. Anna took it then turned to look out into the night. She liked it here, it was peaceful and the view was amazing even at night. Neither of them felt like they were being watched, even if they were still watching their backs. Tonight had been perfect. He had taken her for a romantic dinner and they had danced and danced. He held her so close like he always had. Slow sensual kisses. Flirting. Reminiscing was the most important part, the special part.

"I wish our house had something like this. I am going to miss doing this in the evening when we leave."

"We have the docks. I am looking forward to our nights there again."

"What about our office activities, especially the ones we like to do in my office."

"I'm looking forwards to those as well." Anna put her head back a let out a little laugh.

"I had a few questions for Dr. Palmer I haven't mentioned yet."

"Oh?" Anna wondered what they could be.

"I wanted to be clear on what I'm allowed to do."

Anna took a sip of wine as she studied his face, "You do have limitations, I hope he told you that."

"He told me that I would know when I'm ready to do things. My body will let me know but I can start returning to normal activities."

"So we can go on the run if need be. Is that what you're telling me."

they grinned at each other. "I guess that's true but it's not what I'm telling you." He put down his glass and stepped up behind Anna. Wrapping his arm around her. "You gave yourself to me." Robert kissed her shoulder, "I was your first. It was a perfect night, even how I managed to cover their camera. The morning after we could hear harbour bells."

Anna's breath caught for a second. She turned in his arms and looked up at him. There in those beautiful eyes is the man she has always loved. Robert knows them again.

"We made love again then you went off to play hero, without me. You brilliant amazing woman." With their arms wrapped around each other, she held him tight. Maybe it isn't all there yet but he knows them, he knows what they mean to each other, what they've been through. With her head against his chest, Anna let out a sigh, they have each other back. She leaned back n his arms then reached up and touched his cheek, Robert leaned in and kissed her tenderly. He looked into her eyes after and added, "We got the hostage out, then went on the run. All the way to Italy and our destiny."

A tear rolled down her cheek as she looked up at him. "You remember harbour bells," then she giggled.

"I woke up yesterday with that all in my head."

"You didn't say anything."

"I wanted to talk to the doctor before I did."

Anna smirked as she realized what kind of questions he'd asked.

"I might not remember everything but I remember you, Anna. I remember our love. I remember it all. The good, the bad, the heartbreak, the fear of losing you even if you weren't mine to lose."

"If I couldn't be with you I needed you to be safe and happy."

"Exactly." He stroked her hair, unable to look away.

"I think it's time you take me to bed, Scorpio."

"You're sure?"

Anna ran her hand up his chest, "I'm sure. We've waited long enough my love. I don't want to wait anymore."

Slowly he picked her up, her fingers moving through his hair as he kissed her. The passion grew as her legs wrapped around his waist. He turned and carried her back inside. Their night was far from over and they had a lot of time to make up for.

A/N: Got distracted reading all the other RnA fanfic updates and forgot to do mine lol but here it is. Thank you all for reading and leaving reviews.